Measurement of Serum Zinc Levels Following the Use of Oral Medications and Supplements and Their Effects on Semen Characteristics in Male Infertility Patients.

Background and aim Many male infertility patients take empiric oral medications and/or zinc-containing supplements. Zinc is an important trace element, and its importance for male infertility has been reported. To evaluate their impact, zinc concentrations (Zc) were assessed, and the relationship between semen findings, infertility treatment, and outcome with assisted reproductive technology (ART) was examined. Methods Of the 4601 subjects who visited our male infertility unit between August 2020 and December 2024, 4389 were eligible, excluding those who were single, had not undergone semen analysis, and those taking both medication and supplements. Results Median serum Zc was 84.0 (75.0, 94.0) μg/dL. A total of 1209 participants (27.5%) were taking medications or supplements. Although differences in Zc were observed depending on the time of blood retrieval, no correlation was found between Zc and sperm count or motility. There was also no significant difference in Zc between different infertility diagnoses or between groups not taking oral medication and those taking other prescribed medications, herbal medicines, or zinc-containing supplements. As expected, the pregnancy rate was higher in those with normal semen findings, and no correlation was found between pregnancy and serum Zc. Conclusions This large cross-sectional study did not find any correlation between serum Zc and sperm parameters. Furthermore, no significant differences in Zc or pregnancy rates were observed with the intake of various oral medications or supplements.